§ 31. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to assist patients who are not in receipt of supplementary benefit with the cost of travelling long distances for National Health Service treatment in rural areas.
§ Sir George YoungHealth authorities already have powers to assist with travelling expenses of patients attending NHS hospitals, who would otherwise suffer financial hardship as assessed by the Supplementary Benefits Commission. This applies whether or not a patient is in receipt of supplementary benefit.